MODULE 8
Tying the Systems Together:
Emergency Control Functions and Interfaces
1
OVERVIEW OF MODULE 8
In this module we will:
• Describe all components, their arrangements and how the
systems work
• Describe the applications of standards and highlight the
application of Chapter 21 of NFPA 72
• Identify some of the more common non-fire alarm systems
• Identify methods of inter-connecting systems together
• Identify applicable codes, OBC, OMC, OFC and standards, NFPA
72, to particular component and show the overall diagram.
2
Fire Suppression System Alarm
• Automatically initiates control
of protected premises
emergency control functions
• NFPA Standard:
• 72: National Fire Alarm
and Signaling Code
Lisle-Wood Fire District
3
Elevators
• Elevator recall
• Elevator shutdown
• First responders use elevators
• Elevators for occupant-controlled
evacuation
• Standards:
• ASME A17.1 Safety Code for
Elevators and Escalators
HighRiseOperations/
• NFPA 72: Chapter 21
4
HVAC Duct Detectors
• Smoke detectors installed in HVAC ducts
• Designed to shut down the air handler so it will not move
smoke throughout a building
• NFPA Standards:
• 90A: Standard for the Installation
of Air-Conditioning and
Ventilating Systems (not a
referenced standard)
• 72: National Fire Alarm and
Signaling Code
5
Fire & Smoke Dampers
• A device within an air distribution system
to control the movement of smoke and
prevent the spread of fire
• A firefighter’s control panel allows manual
control
• Can be automatically initiated
• NFPA Standards
Brand Services
• 80: Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
• 92B: Standard for Smoke Management Systems in Malls,
Atria, and Large Areas (not a referenced standard)
6
Fan Control
• Example of an emergency
control function
• Fire alarm system can
initiate operation or shut
down
• NFPA Standards
• 72: National Fire Alarm
and Signaling Code
Grand Spektra
7
Door Release Service
• Intended to prevent smoke
transmission from one space
to another in one direction
only
• Either closes all doors in the
building or all doors in the
smoke zone.
• Magnetic
• Generally installed so that
they release on loss of power
Be Safe Direct
8
Electrically Locked Doors
•Any device or system intended to
electrically lock a required means of
egress door in the direction of egress
shall be connected to the fire alarm
system
•Doors are not permitted to be locked to
restrict egress unless specifically
permitted by governing laws, codes, and
standards
Fixfire/
• NFPA Standard:
• 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
9
Combination Systems
• A fire alarm system in which components are used, in whole or
in part, in common with a non-fire signaling system.
• NFPA Standards:
• 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
10
Mass Notification System
• Used to provide information
and instructions to people in a
building(s) or other space
using intelligible voice
communications and including
visible signals, text, graphics,
tactile, or other
communication methods.
• NFPA Standard
• 72: National Fire Alarm
and Signaling Code
Alertwave,
Inc.
11
Emergency Alarm
Systems
• A system to provide
indication and warning of
emergency situations
involving hazardous materials
and to summon appropriate
aid.
• NFPA Standards
• 72: National Fire Alarm
and Signaling Code
Fire Equipment Company Inc.
12
Emergency Fire Command Center
• The principal attended or
unattended location where
the status of the detection,
alarm communications, and
control systems are
displayed and from which
the system(s) can be
manually controlled.
• NFPA Standards
• 72: National Fire Alarm
and Signaling Code
Orange County Fire Authority
13
Emergency Responder
Radio Coverage
• All new buildings must have
approved radio coverage for
emergency responders
• NFPA Standards
• 72: National Fire Alarm and
Signaling Code
14
Codes and Standards: OBC
•403.4: Emergency systems
•908: Emergency Alarm systems
•911: Fire Command Center
•915: Emergency Responder Radio Coverage
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Codes and Standards: OMC
•Chapter 5 Exhaust Systems
•Chapter 6 Duct Systems
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Codes and Standards: NFPA
72: National Fire Alarm and
Signaling Code
•Chapter 10: Fundamentals
•Chapter 21: Emergency Control
Functions and Interfaces
•Chapter 24: Emergency
Communication Systems
17
Codes and Standards: OFC
•508 Fire Command Center
•510 Emergency Responder Radio Coverage
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Diagram of Emergency Control Functions and
Interfaces
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Lessons Learned from Module 8
•Elevators can have many emergency control functions, such as
elevator recall and elevator shut down.
•HVAC duct detectors are designed to shut down the air handler so it
will not move smoke throughout a building.
•Door release service closes all doors in the building or all doors in the
smoke zone.
•All buildings must have approved radio coverage for emergency
responders.
•The OBC and the OFC provide regulations for fire command centers
and emergency responder radio coverage.
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